By Peter Rhead
Examples of when to make a Texas Transfer
Last week we introduced the Texas Transfer. The objective of the Texas Transfer is for the partner of the No-Trump opener to describe a major suit game-going hand with the simplest of bidding. In a single jump bid to level four, responding partner’s Texas Transfer jump bid describes a game-going hand and usually shuts out the opponents from making a defensive bid.
This week we have examples of some hands where you and your partner consider whether or not to use the Texas Transfer. You have the Texas Transfer agreement with your partner. Remember, a Texas Transfer is a bid that sends the message to opener that you have a game-going hand in the major Transfer suit.
Case 1:
Spades Jx
Hearts AKQx
Diamonds Kxxx
Clubs Axx
Case 1: You open One No-Trump with this balanced 17 points. Partner bids Four Hearts, a Texas Transfer to Spades. You announce “Transfer” and then at your turn you bid Four Spades. When partner does this Texas Transfer, you know you have a probable game in Spades. Partner knows pretty much what is in your 1NT hand so he can still carry on bidding if from his hand he thinks a slam might be possible.
Case 2:
Spades AKxxxxx
Hearts xxx
Diamonds A
Clubs Kx
Case 2: You are the responder with this hand. Opening partner bids 1NT. You respond with the Texas Transfer Four Hearts. Knowing that opening partner has at least two Spades for his 1NT opening, you want a game in Spades. Opening partner will immediately announce “Transfer” and then, at his turn to play, complete the Transfer Four Spades. You will then PASS and partner will play for the game score in Four Spades.
Case 3:
Spades xx
Hearts xxx
Diamonds AKQJxx
Clubs xx
Case 3: You are the responder with this hand. Opening partner bids 1NT. You do not bid a Texas Transfer which is reserved for major suit transfers. You do a Transfer to the minors, Two Spades! That bid tells opening partner that there may be a game in the minors or in No-Trump. Opener automatically will bid the lowest minor, Three Clubs and you will correct to Three Diamonds. You have described your hand and now opener has a choice between Diamonds and No-Trump. He probably will bid 3NT.
For more information, check out “Jacoby and Texas Transfers” in Barbara Seagram’s 25 Bridge Conventions You Should Know, page 73.
Next Week: More examples of when you could use the Texas Transfer
If you wish to promote an activity in your Bridge group or ask a Bridge question, send the information to vrhead23@gmail.com and I will try to include it in this column.
Looking for more bridge tips? You’ll find them here.
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